CHAPTER XXXII. 

 CULTIVATION OF CITRUS GROVES. 



There is probably no practice connected with the 

 growing of citrus fruits regarding which there is more 

 difference of opinion than there is upon the question of 

 the best methods of cultivation. In the citrus districts 

 of America, the soils are so varied in character and in 

 the amount of fertility and moisture which they contain, 

 that it is not to be wondered at that such is the case. To 

 anyone who understands the nature of these soils it must 

 be patent that in a large measure, the system of cultiva- 

 tion adopted must meet the requirements of the particular 

 soil. After all, though practices may differ and many 

 different methods may be advocated, it will generally be 

 found that underlying each and every system from which 

 good results are obtained, there is some broad, general 

 principle, applicable in all cases. 



Benefits of Tillage. Because of their loose, open na- 

 ture', it is not so difficult to keep citrus fruit lands in good 

 condition. Neither the same amount of time, nor the same 

 amount of hard labor is necessary to keep citrus groves 

 in good tilth as is required by fruit plantations in most 

 of the fruit growing districts of America. Perhaps, herein 

 lies the reason why some have neglected cultivation alto- 

 gether on lands that would be benefited by it, while others 

 have, in many cases, carried the practice too far. But, 

 if our soils are in apparently good condition and roots 

 can easily penetrate them in all directions, then in what 

 way does cultivation benefit the trees and why is the ope- 

 ration necessary? 



